Growing AFM Awareness at Folk Alliance International Conference

March 31, 2025

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This year, the AFM had a strong presence at the Folk Alliance International (FAI) conference, the world’s largest gathering of the folk music industry. The event took place at Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel, Montreal, Quebec, February 19-23. The comprehensive conference featured tailored business opportunities and hundreds of showcase performances celebrating a diverse range of music genres, including folk, blues, bluegrass, roots, Celtic, Cajun, Appalachian, traditional, world, and singer-songwriter.

The Federation’s booth, organized by Freelance Services and Membership Development Director Wages Argott and Communications Director Antoinette Follett, raised AFM awareness for musicians. They were able to refer members to a separate booth hosted by Local 1000 (Nongeographic), which has been attending FAI and regional folk gatherings for nearly 30 years.

“FAI presented an extraordinary opportunity to engage and fellowship directly with freelance musicians from across the United States and Canada, and indeed the world, along with venue owners and booking agents. There was a refreshing sense of unity among the hundreds of independent musicians in attendance. I look forward to supporting further collective action efforts with our Canadian Office and Local 1000,” says Argott.

“Being at FAI is an effective way for us to listen to the needs of traveling musicians and fight for them, union or not. Our 350-plus members represent traveling musicians from across both Canada and the US,” says Local 1000 President Aaron Fowler, who highlighted two of their current priorities: Fair Trade Music and musicians entering the US on P-2 visas.

Fair Trade Music’s focus is to ensure musicians are paid minimum scale at participating venues and festivals, and to require hiring entities to accept LS1 and LPPC single engagement contracts, which Local 1000 helped create. The campaign also ensures safe working conditions for performers and crew. 

Executive Director of the Canadian Office Liana White was featured on the FAI Legal Summit’s International Touring panel, speaking about rules and practical tips for crossing borders legally to work. “Touring the US market is high on the list for many foreign entertainers, it’s always great to be able to address so many artists at once,” says White.

For many years, CFM has also hosted a green room for artists performing at the Music Ontario showcase. White and CFM Membership Services Manager Cathy Lee worked the room, fostering connections and strengthening relationships with musicians.

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